And, he’s being recognized for his efforts.
The Los Angeles Times reports the rock icon is set to receive a leadership award from the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Assn. at its 41st Annual Beastly Ball on June 18 at the L.A. Zoo.
Slash will be given the inaugural Tom F. Mankiewicz Leadership Award, which recognizes his longtime contributions to establishing environmental welfare programs; he's also a trustee on GLAZA's board and has supported the L.A. Zoo and zoos around the world.
Actress and GLAZA chairwoman Betty White hosted last year's event, which helped raise $1.226 million for the zoo's exhibits and various plant and animal species conservation projects, capital projects, and education and community outreach programs; she took over for her predecessor Mankiewicz after he died in August 2010.
Mankiewicz was a television writer and director ("Superman," "Diamonds Are Forever," "Hart to Hart") who advocated initiatives to promote opportunity for and interaction among the world's diverse communities.
"Tom championed the cause of saving and protecting wildlife and the environment through education and on-the-ground conservation," GLAZA President Connie Morgan said in a statement.
"The biggest compliment for me is that it's Tom's award," Slash said. "I really adored that man. I miss him very much, and that aspect is very special and resonates deeply. Additionally, I profoundly appreciate the implications of the award itself. It's a fantastic honor."
In January 2009, Slash joined thousands of supporters mobilizing to urge the Los Angeles City Council to complete the L.A. Zoo's Pachyderm Forest, a state-of-the-art new educational habitat for Billy and other endangered Asian elephants. Watch Slash’s message of support below.
Slash – Billy The Elephant / LA Zoo info (2009)
See also:
Slash to appear in new Travis Barker video
VIDEO: Slash and Lemmy rock Buenos Aires
Autographed Slash guitar to be auctioned for children’s music charity
Slash’s stash brings big cash for charity
Slash working on material for next solo album
